Real Madrid break strict transfer rule for first time in nine years as Xabi Alonso wish granted

Real Madrid are looking to provide new manager Xabi Alonso with the strongest squad possible for the coming season, and that will involve contract extensions as well as new signings.

Trent Alexander-Arnold made the free transfer from Liverpool while Dean Huijsen was signed from Bournemouth for £50m. Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono have also joined Los Blancos as Alonso looks to get off to a positive start at the Bernabeu.

Alonso has already made his bow at his new club, but saw Real Madrid beaten by Paris Saint-Germain at the semi-final stage of the FIFA Club World Cup having beaten Juventus and Borussia Dortmund en route to the last four. He arrives in Madrid after leading Bayer Leverkusen to first and second-placed finishes in the Bundesliga.

Xabi Alonso is looking to strengthen Real Madrid with new signings and contract extensions. (Image: Getty)

Alonso's first priority will be to regain the La Liga title after losing it to Barcelona last term, and Real are reportedly planning more activity in the transfer market to assist their new manager.

As well as new signings, Madrid are said to be planning some key contract extensions to their most important players. Having lost Luka Modric at the end of his deal, Alonso will be looking to replace his leadership and will be looking for a new captain.

Among the contenders could be goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is entering his seventh season at the Bernabeu after leaving Chelsea in 2018. Out of contract next season, Spanish media report that Madrid bosses are keen to tie the 33-year-old down past 2026.

Thibaut Courtois has one year left on his Real Madrid contract. (Image: Getty)

However, Real are traditionally reluctant to offer deals of more than one year to players over 30, last doing so in 2016 for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yet Relevo (via football-espana) claim a two year deal will be put on the table for Courtois, who would be 36 by the summer of 2028, breaking the long-term stance of the Spanish giants.

Courtois is approaching 300 appearances for Real Madrid having previously made over 150 for rivals Atletico earlier in his career. He has won 14 major trophies for Madrid.